Jamie Benn

Jamie Benn? Oh, you mean international superstar Jamie Benn. Last season, Benn revealed himself to be an elite talent playing beside Tyler Seguin in what was one of the NHL's hottest duos. He set career marks in goals (34), assists (45), plus/minus (plus-21), penalty minutes...

Benn struggled for large stretches last season with the added responsibilities that come with being the No. 1 center, a move made out of necessity more than anything else. It's not that he's not talented, but he's more comfortable in his natural spot on the wing. One of Dallas' offseason goals was to acquire a top-line center to allow Benn to move back to the right side and they get a big "mission accomplished" sign to hang up with the acquisition of Tyler Seguin. At 24 years of age, Benn is only just entering his prime and should eclipse the 30-goal plateau if he can stay healthy.

2012-13

Benn built upon his impressive sophomore season, setting career highs across the board last year. He also took on added responsbility in the defensive zone as the season waned and Mike Ribiero proved to be a liability in that area. The (essentially) Ribeiro-for-Derek Roy offseason swap will afford Benn more minutes in the offensive zone than last year. He's far and away Dallas' best one-on-one threat and his emergence among the NHL elite figures to continue in 2012-13.

2011-12

Benn's emergence last year (22 G, 34 A in 69 games) made James Neal expendable when Dallas was looking to bolster the blue line, but the departure of Brad Richards could shift Benn to a second-line center role and put more focus on him from opposing checking lines as a result. He's a young, proven goal scorer that built upon a nice rookie season and figures to approach the 30-goal plateau in his third season.

2010-11

Benn was asked to shift from a wing to center early in the season and took to the move well. While the shift took him off one of Dallas' top two lines, his production never waned (22 G, 19 A). He's expected to begin the year as Dallas' No.3 center again this season, but he should be able to take a step forward in his sophomore season.

2009-10

Benn enters the 2009-10 season as Dallas' best scoring prospect now that James Neal has estsablished himself in the NHL. Benn will need a monster camp, much like Neal did last season, in order to break camp with the team. Benn netted 46 goals in 56 games, good for fifth in the WHL despite missing some time for Team Canada duties. He led the WHL in scoring during the Memorial Cup (13G, 20A), and will begin his professional career this season.

2008-09

Benn remains Dallas' top forward prospect, but he's expected to go back to his junior team in the WHL for another season before officially turning pro. He lead all scorers in goals in the preseason Traverse City prospects tournament.